Last Friday saw the latest in our popular career panels series, this one centered around the business and opportunities of commercial real estate. 

Our panel comprised of all UVM alums Dan Wolins ’94, Managing Director at Greystone, Jon Bennis '94, Principal at Icon Interiors, Samara Kaufman '89, Director at Guggenheim Real Estate, James Aug '87, Principal at Sabre Real Estate New York and Kevin Donner ’98, Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield.

The panel covered a lot of ground regarding the business of commercial real estate, its' outlook and discipline (especially since 2007), the increasing role of technology and how it is opening up the pool of global investors and changing the way properties and opportunities are marketed, LEED certification, sustainable building and design practices and the amount of information publically available to scrutinize any deal.

Also highlighted were the career traits necessary in the competitive business world including the need for sophisticated communication and interpersonal skills, time management, the ability to delegate, integrity, multi-tasking, negotiation skills, how to manage upwards, resilience and determination, and it’s okay to ask for help.

After the panel, the panelists were kindly available for more in-depth conversations and networking with students.